Overview & Reviews

Volkswagen is an automaker based in Germany. Its products typically command a higher price than those of competing models, but the return is a more upscale driving and ownership experience.

In 1934, Ferdinand Porsche was commissioned to build a small, inexpensive car at the request of Adolph Hitler. His answer -- a beetle-shaped sedan that was called a Volkswagen (German for "people's car") -- debuted two years later. Hitler had a town built near the plant for factory workers; he named it Kraft durch Freude Stadt (derived from the Nazi party's motto, "Joy through Strength"), and soon decided that Porsche's creation should be named the KdF-wagen (short for the "Joy through Strength" car). This upset Porsche, who was not political.

World War II delayed production of the vehicle; the factory suffered extensive damage during combat, and was ultimately taken over by the British Army. The company was renamed Volkswagen, and the town at the factory was renamed Wolfsburg (after Werner von Schulenberg of Wolfsburg, who had been forced to surrender his land for the construction of the town and factory). By the end of the 1940s, mass production of the Volkswagen Beetle had begun. The model made its first appearance on U.S. shores in 1949.

The 1950s saw Volkswagen broadening its product range, adding the Bus (Type 2) to its lineup. The Bus, especially, proved quite popular due to its versatility. And the Beetle, which went on to become the best-selling car of all time, quickly showed signs of being an enduring favorite, with more than 1 million models produced at the Wolfsburg factory by 1955. This decade also saw the debut of the Karmann Ghia sports car, which featured a sleek, Italian-designed two-seater body atop a Beetle platform.

Volkswagen's star rose during the 1960s, its success fueled largely by the breakout success of the Beetle. The car benefited from an effective advertising campaign and from an appearance in a popular Disney movie. By the close of the decade, Volkswagen's yearly output of Beetles topped the 1 million mark.

In 1972, with more than 15 million units assembled, the Beetle topped the world production record set by Ford's Model T. Mid-decade saw the launch of a new era of Volkswagens that had front-mounted, water-cooled engines driving the front wheels. The Passat (Dasher in the U.S.) was the first of the new breed and was built using standardized components that could be used interchangeably among other models in the manufacturer's lineup. The Passat was soon joined by the Golf (Rabbit in the U.S.), which met with immediate success. By the end of the decade, the manufacturer's lineup had grown to include the Scirocco sport coupe and the performance-oriented Golf/Rabbit GTI. The Beetle, however, was discontinued for the U.S. market.

The Golf grew in popularity during the '80s, becoming Volkswagen's most popular model. When a second generation of the car was built in 1983, it was crafted in a mostly automated process using robots -- marking the first time robots had been used in vehicle manufacture. By the mid-'80s, the U.S. version traded the Rabbit name for "Golf." The higher-performance Golf GTI helped the manufacturer make waves on the rally circuit. In 1986, Volkswagen Motorsport nabbed the title of Group A World Rally Champions.

Volkswagen saw its sales in the North American market tumble during the early '90s, but by the end of the decade, refocused marketing efforts and an increased emphasis on new products had brought about a turnaround in the company's fortunes. The popular New Beetle helped put the company back on the radar in the United States (though it fared less successfully in European markets). The body style was based on the classic Beetle, and it struck a chord with consumers who still had a place in their hearts for the iconic, cheerful-looking "love bug."

The new millennium saw Volkswagen moving into the luxury segment with the launch of the pricey Phaeton sedan and Touareg SUV. Though well-designed and executed, the Phaeton was a disappointment sales-wise, perhaps signaling unwillingness on the part of consumers to shell out premium dollars for a brand that lacks the cachet of established upscale names like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Luckily, Volkswagen has seen success with other vehicles in its lineup, which currently includes everything from family-oriented sedans to roomy SUVs. Today, the automaker enjoys a reputation for crafting vehicles that offer refined handling and upscale accommodations.

User Reviews:

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  Great Car I am In Love - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By eedjohnson - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my GLS 1.8t last night. Love the design and the features for the great price

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  Nice step up from my 92 GTi - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ScottC - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Jetta with every option available, except for the CD changer. The car rides great, has plenty of power and is very easy to upgrade. I had a chip installed to boost the stock 180 hp to 212 and added a cold air intake for another 5 hp. With the stock 180 hp the Jetta gets going pretty quick for such a heavy car, and with the upgrades it really boogies. Highly reliable and fun to drive, it gets an A+ in my book.

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  Nice Car - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By r nisco - January 5 - 4:20 pm

  The Phaeton is a great car. I have had some electronic problems with sunroof and tire pressure sensors. I also had the rear end go out. All of these issues were covered under warranty. The steering needs a little better feel, it is a little light. I dont think you can beat this car for the price. As one would expect, this cars gas mileage is low because it is such a heavy car - it weighs 5,400 lbs. However, on freeway at high speeds this car gets about 20 mpg. In city driving it only gets around 14 mpg. The interior is beautifully finished.

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  Accord who?? - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By minijedimaster - January 5 - 7:50 am

  I bought this vehicle because I have a long commute and needed something comfortable. This car more than exceeds that. Wonderful performance out of the 4 cylinder while not compromising on gas mileage. Im averaging about 25-26 mpg in mixed highway/city driving. Ive taken sharp turns at 55 mph and have gotten it up to 135 on a long straight away. Interior does not feel cheap in anyway like "domestic" vehicles and standard options are more than enough. I have about 15,000 miles on it already and no problems at all. I cant recommend this car enough to anyone in the midsize sedan market. I mean why buy another vehicle w/6cyl that has less HP and eats more gas as is the case w/many others.

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  Love my Diesel Jetta - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dan - January 4 - 1:13 pm

  Well, no matter the fuel costs, $1.59/gal(june04) or $2.09/gal(12/04), I get the advertised 38mpg city, but set at cruise, 65mph Hwy, I get 52 mpg. The overall comfort is very good, but the front seat shoulders should curve in more as being 5-4" I dont get full effect of seat comfort. Interior controls are very easy to use w/o affecting driving, rear seat leg room cramped a bit, but manageable. I sometimes get "creaking" noise in doors, but I WD40 the hinges and that stops. LOVE the interior control lighting. Its fun to drive all the time. I look forward to driving it. Handles all curves excellent, even at 45 mph.

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  Land Rover LR3 to Jetta Sport Wagon - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jeff - January 3 - 9:10 pm

  Love this car. Much more fun to drive than the LR3, plus I prefer the look. My last several trips to Europe my rental cars were VWs and I always enjoyed the driving experience thru Austria and Germany. Back in the 70s I had a 59 magic bus complete with shag carpet, wood panneling, curtains and the 8 track tape player.. Also owned a 62 bug in Hawaii. Those VWs were cool!

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  Happy Long Time Owner - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By John - January 3 - 1:23 pm

  I purchased my manual 1997 Passat new and always took good care of it and did the regular scheduled maintenance. It has over 100,000 miles and it has been great. It is now getting a little long in the tooth and Im evaluating new cars for purchase. This car has been very good for me and very economical to keep for the past ten years.

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  Golf Forever - 2005 Volkswagen Golf
  By Phil - January 3 - 11:00 am

  Coming from England to US, I have driven many cars. The GOLF TDI is a popular car in a market where a very large percentage are diesel due to the price of gas. The golf is very well built, solid and offers many air bags. The handling and styling of the car is excellent - golf owners appreciate their reliable, frugal workhorse and once bitten rarely stop becoming VW owners. The quality of the build is excellent and as is the Monsoon sound system. My primary reason for buying was to get a safe, well-built, reliable, quality car which offered good gas mileage. I get around 40 mpg which is excellent - my only regret is not looking at a passat TDI - rear legroom space is limited.

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  NEVER LOOKING BACK - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By BRANDON - January 3 - 10:26 am

  I am so glad I took the time to compare. Ive been an Infinity owner for the past 6 years but decided to test drive the VW CC bfore my next purchase; and "Thank God" I did. Ive only had my new CC for 2 months but I feel like its a test drive each morning just going to work. I love my VW and the solid feel it gives me. I just feel safer and sportier in it.

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  Smiles At Ya - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Zonk - January 3 - 6:43 am

  We have raised our families on old and new Beetles. We have owned a 1966, 1972, 1979, a 1968 Ghia, along with a 1999 New Beetle, tomoatoe red hardtop. We have always wanted a convertible and finally found the opportunity to own one this year. This new salsa red with tan interior and top is our "dream come true Beetle." It is fun to drive with the roof up or down. The power roof is sweeeeeet. The leather interior is nice and comfortable. The dash is ergonomically freindly. The Beetle sound system has a very quality sound. We have the 17" tires and wheels and I think the ride is compromised with this combination. Our Beetle always draws comments and waves when cruising the highway.